96 Corolla 7A-FE starter removal?

cwebb · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2004, 08:03 PM

Hello, my parents 1996 Corolla DX with the 1.8L (7A-FE) motor/4spd auto needs to have the starter contacts replaced. The starter is under the intake manifold on the back of the motor. How hard is it to remove the starter? I would love to have access to this section of the toyota tech manual for how to do this, looks like it could be pretty tricky. I would love to do it for them and save them some $$$, any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

tundrabrad · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2004, 12:06 AM

It's not real hard but you have to go at it from under the car. Simply unsnap the electrical connectors - one is held on by a nut if I remember right. The starter is attached to the engine by 2 bolts only.

A new starter isn't exacty cheap - I think it was about $140. One of the few components that ever failed on my car. I bought the replacement, rebuilt starter at Pep Boys. You can also buy the Haynes manual for the Corolla at Pep Boys for under 15 bucks - highly recommended!

Good Luck!

Brad

cwebb · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 07:28 PM

i sent my parents to the toyota dealer today to get the contacts......the parts man told them i would have to take the contacts to them to "see exactly what we needed" and that there were 4 of them and they were 10.00 each. i thought the complete stud kit was only about 10-15 dollars or so......does this guy know what he is talking about?

tundrabrad · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 10:49 PM

Describe 'contacts'. Do you mean some internal electrical parts? Stud kit? Are these the attachment bolts for the starter to engine block? I would not think that new bolts are needed unless the current ones are stripped.

I would not recommend you fiddle with anything inside the starter/solenoid - I believe they are a sealed unit anyway. Just replace the entire starter unit with a rebuilt and you're good to go for another 100,000 miles...

Brad